The number of immigrants who attempted to cross over into Greece illegally from Turkey have dropped dramatically over the past few months, thanks in part to the fence at the Evros border. According to figures during the period August 2012 and January 2013, more than 1,710 immigrants were arrested at this crossing as opposed to 35,258 in the previous six-month period.
Greek police authorities say that in the first six months since the Xenios Zeus operation began (which tackles illegal immigration) more than 77,526 illegal immigrants have been detained. Of those, 4,435 were found to be lacking residence papers and were arrested, while 59 were arrested for other offenses.
Moreover, from the 525 homes and 207 businesses that were also investigated, as part of the operation, it was discovered that 11 warehouses were full of counterfeit goods and 13 of these premises operated illegal casinos.
Meanwhile, two men were arrested at the central Intercity Bus (KTEL) station in Athens who are suspected of being part of a ring that smuggled illegal immigrants from Greece into other countries of the European Union. The two suspects -said to be Afghan nationals (aged 22 and 47) - were arrested after being caught bringing eight illegal migrants to the station in a car and a taxi in order to place them on a bus headed to the western port city of Preveza. Police, who were acting on a tip-off, believe that the migrants would then be boarded by other ring members onto a boat that would take them further west into the European Union.
Investigations suggested that the two suspects, as well as another two men who are being sought, charged illegal immigrants hoping to come into Greece and then make their way further west 3,000-4,000 euros per person.
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